What Is Nowruz in Islam? History, Traditions, and Religious Views [2025 Guide]
Every spring, millions across the world welcome Nowruz—the Persian New Year—with gatherings, special meals, and heartfelt wishes for renewal. More than just a change of calendar, Nowruz traces its roots to ancient Persia and marks the start of spring at the vernal equinox. Today, it's celebrated widely in Iran, Central Asia, and among Persian communities everywhere.
For Muslims, Nowruz sparks discussion about tradition and faith. Its origins in Zoroastrian customs and its deep ties to Persian heritage lead some to embrace it as cultural, while others consider its religious fit more closely. Understanding how Nowruz aligns with Islamic belief and daily life sheds light on this festival’s evolving place in today’s diverse Muslim communities.
Origins and History of Nowruz
Nowruz, which means "new day" in Persian, has a story that stretches back thousands of years. This spring festival began long before Islam reached Persia. Its ancient roots, passed down through generations, shape the way millions around the world mark its arrival today.
Photo by brc sngn
Nowruz in the Ancient Persian World
Nowruz began as a celebration of spring and renewal in the heartlands of ancient Persia. Over 3,000 years ago, communities living across the Iranian plateau looked forward to it as a time when nature is reborn. The festival’s timing—at the spring equinox—was no accident. Early societies depended on farming and closely watched the rhythms of the earth. Spring marked the end of harsh winters and the promise of new crops.
Persian kings played an important role in keeping Nowruz alive. According to the “Shahnameh,” Iran’s epic poem, the legendary King Jamshid introduced Nowruz. Historians believe it unified ancient Persians and gave the day its early pageantry. Over centuries, the celebration spread widely, welcomed by different dynasties and empires across the region. For more historical detail, History.com outlines Nowruz's origins and traditions.
Zoroastrian Roots and Pre-Islamic Meanings
Nowruz’s earliest rituals came from Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. Zoroastrians placed heavy importance on the cycle of nature and the victory of light over darkness. In their worldview, Nowruz became one of the holiest days, much like a reset button for the year. It symbolized purity, hope, and the triumph of good.
During these early years, celebrations blended fire rituals (seen as symbols of purity and energy) with feasts, music, and reunions. Nowruz customs included cleaning homes—the forerunner of today's “spring cleaning” tradition—lighting fires, and sharing gifts. Zoroastrians believed these practices helped drive away evil and started the year with a clean soul. The ancient roots of Nowruz in Zoroastrianism are covered in depth by Tablet Magazine.
Survival and Spread Through Empires
Throughout history, Nowruz faced many challenges but remained central to Persian culture. As empires grew and fell—from the Achaemenids to the Sassanids—each left its mark on the festival. When Islam entered Persia in the 7th century, scholars debated Nowruz’s role. Some Islamic rulers discouraged it, seeing it as a leftover from pre-Islamic times. But Nowruz proved resilient.
The festival’s value as a unifying social event helped it survive—and thrive—even after the Muslim conquest of Persia. As Persian customs blended with Islamic practices, Nowruz found new meaning. It slowly spread along trade routes, reaching Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond. UNESCO highlights how Nowruz traveled and adapted with people along the Silk Roads in their Nowruz overview.
Lasting Heritage
Over the centuries, Nowruz became more than just a ritual—it grew into a symbol of identity. Despite wars, regime changes, and shifts in faith, its essence endures as a celebration of life and renewal. Today, Nowruz is recognized in dozens of countries, showing the staying power of ancient traditions in a changing world.
To learn more about the influence of Zoroastrianism on Nowruz, check out this Britannica guide to Nowruz history and practice.
Core Traditions and Customs of Nowruz
Nowruz is much more than just the start of a new year—it’s a vibrant collection of practices that connect families to their heritage and to one another. From deep cleaning every corner of the home, to symbolic foods and colorful gatherings, each tradition holds a message of hope and fresh beginnings. Let's look closer at the core customs that shape this celebrated festival.
The Haft Sin Table: Symbols and Meanings
One of the most cherished traditions of Nowruz is preparing the Haft Sin table. This special display features seven items whose names start with the Persian letter "S," each carrying a symbolic meaning tied to renewal and good fortune. Setting the Haft Sin is often a family affair, and careful attention goes into selecting and arranging each element.
Sabzeh (Wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts) Grown in a dish, these green sprouts stand for rebirth and the renewed energy of spring.
Samanu (Sweet pudding made from wheat germ) Rich and creamy, samanu is a symbol of strength and the sweetness of life.
Senjed (Dried oleaster fruit) Senjed represents love and the flowering of affection among family and friends.
Seer (Garlic) Garlic signals health and protection against sickness.
Seeb (Apple) Crisp and bright, apples mark beauty and good health.
Somāq (Sumac berries) Their vibrant red color is a reminder of sunrise and the triumph of light over darkness.
Serkeh (Vinegar) Aged and tangy, vinegar stands for wisdom and patience.
In addition to these seven, many families add a mirror (for reflection), painted eggs (for fertility), coins (for prosperity), and a goldfish (for life and movement). The process of preparing the Haft Sin often brings relatives, especially children, together to clean, craft, and decorate, filling homes with excitement and anticipation.
For a full breakdown of every Haft Sin item and their roots in Persian culture, see the detailed overview on the Nowruz Wikipedia page.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Public Celebrations and Regional Differences
Nowruz is not just a household event—it radiates out into streets, parks, and public squares across countries influenced by Persian culture. While the heart of the festival beats in Iran, its customs have shaped celebrations from Central Asia to the Caucasus and beyond.
In Iran, days before Nowruz, families take part in “khaneh tekani,” a top-to-bottom cleaning of their homes. On the eve of Nowruz, people light bonfires and leap over flames in a joyful ritual called “Chaharshanbe Suri,” wishing to cast away misfortune and invite health. Streets are filled with community events, markets, and neighborhood parties. On the thirteenth day, called “Sizdah Bedar,” everyone heads outdoors for picnics to mark the holiday’s close.
Beyond Iran, Nowruz takes on flavors unique to each region. In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, people dance in public squares and share communal feasts. Azerbaijan hosts tightrope walks and horseback sports. In Afghanistan, kite flying and music fill the skies. Traditions also blend with local flavors—like sumalak, a festive dish in Central Asia similar to Iran’s samanu.
The heart of Nowruz always beats with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and welcoming neighbors—a spirit of unity and renewal. For a deeper look at how Nowruz is celebrated worldwide, National Geographic provides an engaging guide to Nowruz customs and traditions, and UNESCO traces its historical spread across the Silk Roads.
Each ritual, whether big or small, invites community and hope to blossom at the start of every Spring, making Nowruz a living bridge between past and present.
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